Published: Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 11:57 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 11:57 a.m.

Coach: Les Miles, ninth season (113-42 overall, 85-21 at LSU).

Last year's record: 10-3 overall, 6-2 in the SEC (T-2nd in the West). Lost to Clemson 25-24 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Fans' expectations: The Tigers had Alabama down late in last season's game in Baton Rouge, but let the Tide off the hook. That won't happen this season. The rebuilding Tigers will take down Alabama in Tuscaloosa and roll to the division title. Zach Mettenberger has starred coming into his own at quarterback and the young Tigers will be fast and athletic — and dominant — on defense.

Realistic expectations: This LSU team has more question marks than any in perhaps the past five years. Mettenberger still lacks consistency in the passing game, tailback Jeremy Hill is in limbo with his legal issues and the Tigers must replace their entire defensive line and star linebacker Kevin Minter. And the schedule is tough, with LSU having to go to Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama. The Tigers have been pick to finish third in the West, which seems about right.

Quotable: “We're looking forward to the challenge, to be honest. Our culture is, bring it on. It's what we do. We look forward to lining up against the best in the East and the best in the West. I like us in any game.” — Les Miles

<p><b>Coach:</b> Les Miles, ninth season (113-42 overall, 85-21 at LSU).</p><p>Last year's record: 10-3 overall, 6-2 in the SEC (T-2nd in the West). Lost to Clemson 25-24 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.</p><p><b>Fans' expectations:</b> The Tigers had Alabama down late in last season's game in Baton Rouge, but let the Tide off the hook. That won't happen this season. The rebuilding Tigers will take down Alabama in Tuscaloosa and roll to the division title. Zach Mettenberger has starred coming into his own at quarterback and the young Tigers will be fast and athletic — and dominant — on defense.</p><p><b>Realistic expectations:</b> This LSU team has more question marks than any in perhaps the past five years. Mettenberger still lacks consistency in the passing game, tailback Jeremy Hill is in limbo with his legal issues and the Tigers must replace their entire defensive line and star linebacker Kevin Minter. And the schedule is tough, with LSU having to go to Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama. The Tigers have been pick to finish third in the West, which seems about right.</p><p><b>Quotable:</b> “We're looking forward to the challenge, to be honest. Our culture is, bring it on. It's what we do. We look forward to lining up against the best in the East and the best in the West. I like us in any game.” — Les Miles</p>